Daisuke, Naruto and I rushed off to get our ice cream, then we climbed through the window into Lee's room without getting caught, and we gave him a bowl of curry I whipped up at home quickly. The kitchen is a mess because Daisuke and Naruto kept trying to help, but they only ended up trashing the place. So now I had a reason to go home earlier than usual. However, Daisuke told me he wanted to help, and then he muttered something about getting Takashi's approval. So there we were. Both Daisuke and I, cleaning the mess in the kitchen under the supervision of Takashi.
"You missed a spot." Takashi pointed out, not budging from his stance – arms folded, legs inches apart, standing up straight, with a somewhat bored expression.
"I'LL GET IT!" Daisuke shouted, but then he paused and looked around frantically. When I observed the room, it looked spotless to me. "Where.. is it?" Daisuke asked, looking at Takashi.
Takashi looked Daisuke in the eye and smiled. "You. Get out of the kitchen now." Daisuke whimpered and left the kitchen. I showed a blank expression. Takashi faced me. "You too. Go on."
I whimpered too, and followed Daisuke into the living room.
"He just called me dirty.." Daisuke cried to himself quickly, huddling in a corner. A hand touched my shoulder, making me jump.
"Setsuki, go take a shower and clean yourself up. Get ready for bed." Takashi ordered. I groan.
"But, Daisuke-kun-"
"I'll see him off. Don't worry." Takashi smiled at me so I smiled back and nodded. I went off to have a shower. Takashi faced Daisuke. "Lad."
Daisuke looked up at Takashi. "Yes sir?"
"Leave."
I spent forever in the shower, just spacing out, not even thinking about anything. When I finally decided to get out, I got ready for bed, and laid down comfortably. Takashi would normally come down and say goodnight. But he didn't. It was strange. Takashi was acting strange lately. He was quiet, and a lot less talkative too. I wonder if something happened..? Or.. was it because of me? I tried not to think about it, I would ask him in the morning! For now, I closed my eyes and drifted soundly off to sleep.
"Uncle Takashi!" I shouted as I ran into the kitchen the following morning. As usual, he stood protectively over his buttered toast, and sipping a hot coffee.
"Morning." He replied in a deep tone after clearing his throat. He watched me carefully. His eyes were locked dead on me, like some sort of hawk or something. It was creepy. Without turning his head, his eyes followed mine as I walked around the table at sat down. I almost wanted to run away.
"Is uh.. everything alright?" I asked, ignoring the fact that his stare was more of a glare now.
".. What makes you say that, Setsuki?" He finally closed his eyes and took a long sip of his coffee.
"W-Well... I dunno.. you've been really.. quiet lately?" I mentioned. He sighed and put his coffee down. A sign I was in for a big lecture. Takashi proceeded to talk about how I left without telling anyone with Daisuke, Susumu and Lee, to go somewhere as dangerous as Orochimaru's hideout, where I could've been killed. He repeated that several times, 'You could have been killed'. I felt really guilty. I never considered Takashi's feelings about this. He deeply cares for me. Takashi is almost like a dad to me.. I was then taken back to the memories of my father. Kuromizu Shou. I can say that dad was my idol. Apparently I am a spitting image of him, I inherited all of his looks, whereas Kaori-nee-chan inherited mum's. I remember... spending quite a lot of time with him, but a lot of it was a blur.
I must've had the most nostalgic expression because Takashi pulled me into a deep hug, and kept repeating 'Be strong for them.'. Various memories flashed by in my head, one after the other, even if they were a blur, I still cherished those memories deeply.
I had breakfast, and left to find Daisuke. Instead I found Susumu walking about. He looked rather pale. I was surprised to see him looking almost perfectly fine though.
I called his name and approached him as fast as I could. "Setsuki! I was on my way to your house." He said.
"You were?"
"Yeah. None of the doctors would tell me. Setsuki, what the hell happened? And where's that bastard Daisuke? And bean sprout?"
"Um. Well, we got knocked out.. then when I woke up we were in these cells and you were dying.. so I saved you then Gai-sensei, Ten-chan and Neji-kun saved us!" I exclaimed.
"So.. everyone else is okay?"
"Yeah! Well, Lee-san has wounds on his stomach and back, but they're healing!"
"Right.. are you or Daisuke injured?" I shook my head. Susumu rolled his eyes. "Figures.."
"Are y-"
"AME-NEECHAAANN!" I flinched and went to turn, when I was suddenly tackled to the ground. Susumu immediately frowned. It was Naruto.
"Naruto-kun!"
"So listen, Ero-sennin is taking me training for a few years! I'm gonna become really strong, dattebayo!"
"Jiraiya? Really!? Can I come?!" I question. Naruto's expression seemed to light up.
"Sur-"
"Nope." Susumu butted in, folding his arms. We both look up at him with questioning stares. He gave us an envious expression. "Setsuki has to stay here.. we have our own training to do." Naruto stood up and helped me up too.
"But Ame's my friend! Why can't she come!?" Naruto questioned.
"Setsuki's my teammate..." Susumu mentioned. They seemed to have sparks between their eyes. I saw a green figure in the corner of my eye and immediately turn to it. It was only a leaf blowing in the wind. I felt slightly disappointed... I don't know why. I turn back to Naruto.
"When are you leaving?" I asked.
"In an hour!"
"AN HOUR?! I wont get to see you again for a few years! We have to at least have some ramen together!" I exclaimed. I grabbed Susumu and threw him over my shoulder.
"W-HEY!"
"We'll take Susumu-kun with us!" I exclaimed. Naruto nodded. We both ran off to Ichirakus, Susumu thrashed around on the way.
After we had our fill, Jiraiya came and found Naruto and we stood at the gate waving goodbye. Susumu and I turn to each other, then decide to go and find Daisuke. We ended up going to his house, and his mum answered the door, and told us he was still sleeping.
Susumu and I stood over Daisuke's bed, Daisuke was spread out, his mouth hanging wide open, and snoring loudly. We were silent, as if thinking of what to do to him. Suddenly Daisuke rolled over wrapping his arms and legs around a long pillow and started muttering my name with a stupid grin. I sweatdrop. Susumu frowned at him. I walked up to Daisuke and poked his bare shoulder.
"Wait, Setsuki." Susumu whispered. Daisuke didn't react at all. I look at Susumu curiously. "The bastard might be naked." He mentioned, noting Daisuke's shirtless self.
"No he's not." I pointed to a small portion of his boxers sticking out under the messed up blanket.
"Oh..." Susumu walked over to Daisuke's cupboard, opened it, and frowned at the sight. All his clothes had been replaced with Gai-sensei's suits, and leg warmers!
"... Am I dreaming?" Susumu growled.
"It's Daisuke-kun's new fashion." I mentioned. Susumu bashed his head against the wall.
I turn back to Daisuke and poke him again. And again. And again. Still no reaction.
Susumu kept exploring Daisuke's room like a kid in a candy store. I gave up poking. I stepped onto his bed and plopped down, sitting on him. Daisuke jumped and coughed and nearly screamed. I kept sitting on him.
"Morning Daisuke-kun!" I chimed. Daisuke blinked a few times.
"Set... suki?" He croaked. He stared at me for a few seconds. He suddenly screamed, pushed me off and pulled the blanket up over his chest. I sat on him again. It was fun. "W-What're you doing here?!"
"We came to wake you up, sleepyhead!" I replied.
"We?" Daisuke looked down and saw Susumu. "Oh... Oh! You're finally awake are you?"
"Yeah.." Susumu replied.
"... Setsuki.. I appreciate this and all.. but you're kinda crushing me..."
"Good!"
"G-Good?"
"It can be considered training! Lee-san and I sit on each other and do push ups! Gai-sensei says it's good for building up biceps!" I flex my arms to boast.
"Please, Setsuki. Allow me." Susumu butted in, flexing his own arm, showing big muscles I never noticed before.
"Pah! I can do better!" Daisuke suddenly sat up, causing me to roll off him and land on the floor. He flexed his arms, showing slightly bigger muscles than Susumu. He then blinked. "WAAH! Setsuki-chan! I'm sorry!" He grabbed my foot and pulled me back up onto the bed and cradled me in his arms. It was weird. "I didn't mean to push you off I-"
"I know." I said. He hugged me tightly, I couldn't breathe.
"Get a room.. honestly." Susumu grumbled.
"We have a room! …Wait... Setsuki's.. in my bed.. with me.." Daisuke blushed heavily.
I showed a blank expression. "Shut up Daisuke." Susumu huffed. "Stop trying to molest the poor girl. Clearly she doesn't like you."
"Susumu! Shut up! Suki-chwan loves me!" Daisuke petted my head. "Right, Suki-chan?"
I smile at him. "Sure!" He blinked.
"Wait.. you do? Really?!" Daisuke smiled like the happiest person in the world. Even Susumu looked surprised.
I smiled and hugged back. "You're such a great friend, Daisuke-kun! How could I not love you?"
Daisuke looked crushed, but quickly covered it up and petted my back. Susumu chuckled to himself.
"Y-you too, Setsuki." Daisuke replied.
Susumu muttered something like "friend-zoned~" under his breath, but I paid no attention. "Oi, lover boy."
"Don't call me that!" Daisuke glared at Susumu.
"Sorry Romeo. Get some clothes on."
Daisuke frowned. "No. You're not my mum. You can't tell me what to do."
Suddenly, Daisuke's mum came into the room. "Oh, Daisuke dear, please get dressed so you can go and play with your friends! And don't forget to make your bed." She chimed and left room. Daisuke frowned at Susumu's smug expression.
"Hurry up Daisuke honey." Susumu grinned. I stood up and dragged Susumu out of the room to give Daisuke some privacy.
Susumu glared at Daisuke's outfit. "It's comfortable. So shut up." Daisuke groaned at him.
"It's ugly, that's what it is.."
"COMFY!" I shouted.
"... Right.. so what of Komaru-sensei?"
"We... couldn't find him.." Daisuke said. Susumu clenched his fists.
"... I see.."
I put my hand on Susumu's shoulder. "It's okay though. We're gonna find him.. Sooner or later! He's alive, you just gotta be strong and believe!"
They both turn to me. "Yeah, she's right. Head up, Susumu." Daisuke said. Susumu gave a slight nod. Daisuke yawned loudly.
"We ought to get ourselves stronger. Lets go train ourselves. We haven't trained together for a long time." Susumu mentioned.
I was about to say something when; "Excellent idea Susumu-kun!" Lee's voice came, making the three of us jump. I grinned stupidly the moment I saw his face, but I didn't realise it.
"Lee-san!" I chimed. Lee smiled at me.
"What're you doing out of hospital, again?!" Daisuke questioned. Lee quickly turned to Daisuke and put a thumbs up to his face.
"I am completely healed!" He exclaimed.
"You said that yesterday." I mentioned. Lee stepped away from me, protecting his stomach from me.
"But today, I am definitely fine! The doctor said I could leave!" Lee announced. He then stared at our doubtful expressions and laughed nervously.
"You're going to make it worse if you keep lying about it." Daisuke said. "Go back to the hospital."
"No! I will stay with Setsuki-san and train!" Lee stated, standing by my side, still protecting his stomach. I petted his back, he tensed slightly and his eyes widened like he had forgotten about it. I smirk at him. Lee quickly turned out of my reach.
"Okay! Lee-san's all better! Lets go train together!" I said. Lee smiled. Daisuke was glaring daggers at Lee.
"Setsuki-sa-chan.. chan.. Setsuki-chan!" Lee stuttered, attempting to get my attention. I face him. He blinked away his red cheeks. "We must race! It will decide our tie-breaker match! I counted yesterday, we are 20-20!"
I gave a challenging smirk. "19-21 You mean. I won that last challenge, remember?"
Lee shook his head indefinitely. "No no, I did! I lasted longer on the ice!"
"Nooope! I did!" I retort. There was a moment of silence, before suddenly Lee and I bashed our foreheads together, glaring into each other's eyes competitively.
"Fine! This race will put me one point closer to victory!" Lee exclaimed.
"Nope! It will put me one point further ahead!" I said.
"I will win for sure!"
"No way!"
"Yes!"
"No!"
"GO!" Susumu shouted. We suddenly stood up straight, scared of the sudden shout. We then blinked and gave each other surprised looks when we realised what he said.
"YOSH!" Both Lee and I sprinted off as fast as we could towards the closest training vicinity. Lee was ahead of me at first, and for quite some time, but as soon as we got to the last few meters I pushed my legs way beyond their limits and caught up with him, running right beside him, but I tripped and fell over, making Lee the victor. Lee laughed in pleasure of winning, then held his hand out for me. I smile and took his hand and he pulled me to my feet. We both were panting pretty hard. My legs felt numb and shaky, I leaned on Lee for support.
"Heee~ I won!" Lee boasted.
"Heh.. I'll.. win.. next.. time.." I panted. Lee gave me a thumbs up.
"I am sure you will! Setsuki-chan!"
I smiled, feeling really happy. Finally Daisuke and Susumu came running along and caught up with us. "Jeez, one second you're there, the next you're 10 miles away." Susumu complained.
"Yup!" Lee concurred, pointing his thumb at Susumu. "That is the power of youth!" Lee smirked, his teeth glistened. I stared in fascination. Lee caught me staring and just smiled softly. I look away quickly, my cheeks burned up. Daisuke also noticed and folded his arms.
The four of us trained in a four-way spar, fighting each other, testing each other skills, bringing each other outside of our comfort zones.
It took a few hours, but Susumu and Daisuke eventually collapsed from exhaustion, so it was just Lee and I. We stared each other down, covered in scratches, bruises and cuts, panting heavily.
"I shall.. win again.. Setsuki-chan!" Lee exclaimed. If he were to win this short little match, our challenges will become tied. I wasn't about to let that happen. I think we were both at our limits..
"Nope! I will win..!" I replied. We both flashed a smile at each other than ran at each other. The victor would be decided depending on whose punch landed first.